Hundreds of tributes have flooded in to commiserate over the death of the football mascot, Bradley Lowery, who lost his battle with a rare cancer on Friday.

The six-year-old touched hearts across the world after appearing as a mascot for Sunderland several times over the course of the last season, after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months old.

As Bradley continued to fight for life, Defoe broke down in tears on Thursday at a press conference with his new club, Bournemouth, when he was asked about their special bond.

The Premier League star said: “There is not a day that goes past where I do not wake up in the morning and check my phone or think about little Bradley because his love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes.

“It is special.”

Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley.